Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists utilize the resonant frequency properties of atoms within a magnetic field to image anatomic and/or physiologic conditions of the body to assist physicians in the diagnosis of disease. They work primarily in hospitals and clinics.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Careers

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists perform scans using radiofrequencies within a magnetic field to produce images of bones, organs, and soft tissue. They also prepare and administer contrast agents to obtain some images. ARRT certification and registration is voluntary, but certification and registration in MRI may help those seeking a career in MRI.

ARRT doesn't provide a list of job postings within the profession. However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists
seeking a position may want to check the ASRT JobBank.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Schools

To become eligible for ARRT certification and registration via the primary pathway, candidates must complete an educational program accredited by a mechanism recognized by the ARRT and that includes instruction in the healthcare setting as well as in the classroom. Beginning on January 1, 2015, all primary pathway candidates for certification and registration in Magnetic Resonance Imaging must also have earned an academic degree before becoming certified and registered.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Certification and Registration

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers
both primary and post-primary pathways to Magnetic Resonance Imaging
certification and registration as part of its mission to recognize qualified individuals
in medical imaging, radiation therapy, and interventional procedures. To be eligible
for ARRT Magnetic Resonance Imaging certification and registration, via the primary pathway, candidates must complete an educational program accredited by an ARRT-recognized mechanism, meet ethics requirements, and pass the ARRT certification and registration examination in magnetic resonance imaging. To be eligible for ARRT Magnetic Resonance Imaging certification and registration via the post-primary pathway, candidates must meet ethics requirements, document clinical experience, and already hold ARRT registration in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology (registration through NMTCB is also accepted), Radiation Therapy, or Sonography (registration through ARDMS is also accepted).

Annual renewal of certification and registration is required to maintain the ARRT credential.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Continuing Education (CE)

Once certified and registered in magnetic resonance imaging, Registered Technologists (R.T.s) must complete 24
Category A or A+ continuing education (CE) credits each biennium — a two-year period
that begins at the start of his or her birth month following initial certification and registration. For example, an R.T. with an October birthday passes the Magnetic Resonance Imaging exam in March; his or her biennium would begin the October following the exam. Any credits earned between March and October, before the biennium start date, would not count toward ARRT’s CE requirements. For more information, check out the Continuing Education Requirements.

Technologists already certified and registered in a discipline who become certified and registered in additional disciplines maintain their original CE reporting schedule based upon their initial certification and registration. The continuing education requirement is 24 credits, regardless of the number of ARRT certificates held by a registrant. Technologists who become certified and registered in magnetic resonance imaging within a biennium meet the CE requirement for that biennium.

In addition, any certifications and registrations earned in any category beginning January 1, 2011,
are time limited to 10 years, at which time R.T.s will need to demonstrate continued
qualifications as part of the
Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR).